This offseason, Russell Westbrook left the Los Angeles Clippers to sign with the Denver Nuggets, marking a new chapter in his career. The former MVP reflected on his time with the Lakers and Clippers, expressing dissatisfaction with how his unique skill set was utilized.
Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star, was asked whether his skill set stood out more with the Nuggets compared to his previous teams. He emphasized that his abilities were always distinct, but the Lakers and Clippers failed to put him in a position to fully showcase them.
“To be honest, it was unique, they just didn’t put me in a position to make it unique,” Westbrook said after a Nuggets training camp practice. He further explained that he often played out of position on his former teams, limiting his impact on the game.
In contrast, Westbrook noted that Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has allowed him to play to his strengths. “Being able to use my speed, use my transition skill, to be able to make other guys better makes the game easy for everybody surrounding me, and that’s what I love to do best,” he added.
Westbrook’s tenure with the Lakers (2021-2023) was marked by significant challenges. After being traded to Los Angeles in 2021, the former MVP struggled to fit in with a roster that included superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His role shifted, and his performance often came under scrutiny, particularly for turnovers and inefficient shooting.
In the 2021–22 season, Westbrook was benched during critical moments of games, and the Lakers failed to make the playoffs. The next season, he embraced a sixth-man role but still faced criticism for his play and limited success with the team. Despite his effort, the Lakers struggled to stay competitive in a tough Western Conference.
Westbrook was eventually traded to the Utah Jazz during the 2022–23 season, although he never played a game for them. He quickly signed with the Clippers, where he reunited with his former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate, Paul George. With the Clippers, Westbrook resumed a starting role and had moments of success, but he again found himself limited by a system that didn’t fully utilize his abilities.
The Clippers made it to the playoffs in 2023 but were eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns despite Westbrook’s strong individual performance. He averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in the series. Still, Westbrook felt that the system in Los Angeles didn’t allow him to reach his full potential.
Now with the Nuggets, Westbrook appears more comfortable. He’s been given the freedom to play the way that suits him best, focusing on speed and making his teammates better. This adjustment has reignited Westbrook’s passion for the game, and he seems ready to embrace a leadership role with the defending NBA champions.
At 35 years old, Westbrook is entering the twilight of his career, but he’s determined to make the most of this new opportunity. Last season, he averaged a career-low 11.1 points, 5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 22.5 minutes per game, but with the Nuggets, he’s hopeful for a resurgence.
